Smudging and frost-preventing composition



Patented Aug. 28, 192-33.

time

er Ti a an HERBERT 'CQFIFIMAN, OF SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA.

SMUDGING AND FROST-PEEVENTING COMPOSITION.

No Drawing.

tions, of which the following is; a specification. I J

This invention relates to compositions of matter and has special reference to a solid fuel compound.

More particularly the invention relates to the composition of a solid fuel for smudging and frost prevention.

It is common, at present, to protect the trees in orchards in the early spring fro-m the blighting by frost, especially when the trees are in bloom or early fruitage, by raising the temperature of the: atmosphere in such an orchard by building fires at intervals between the trees. Under the present methods these fires, usually using oil as a fuel, are built in special burners or stoves. This method is objectionable for various reasons among which may be mentioned the expense of the burners, as one of these special devices is ordinarily 'used for every four trees; and the work required to place and feed these burners since they must be moved out of the way to enable the ground between the trees to be cultivated and re placed each night to be ready for sudden frosts in the morning.

The principal obj ect of the present invention is the provision of an improved solid composition fuel especially adapted for smudging and frost preventing and which may be burnt directly on the ground without any special burners or other draft pro ducing devices being necessary.

A second important object of the invention is the provision of improved'fuel of this class which may either be used in bulk or in briquetted form.

A third important object of the invention is the provision of such an improved fuel which may be readily lit and which will burn freely notwithstanding its position directly on the ground.

' Vith the above and other objects in the slower final burning.

view, as will be hereinafter apparent, the invention consists of an lmproved fuel composition hereinafter fully described and specifically claimed. I

In the formation of this composition I Application filed August 16, 1922. Serial No. 582,288.

preferably employ as one of the principal,

ingredients, carbon in a more. or less pure form and it has been found that the oil-gas residue, known as lamp black, which is a by product obtained in the manufacture, of

illuminatin gas from crude oil, is one of the best forms of carbon to use although charcoal or lignite may also be employed.

; In any event it has been found advisable to grind the carbon used to a powder. To a i suitable quantity of the carbon is added a quantity of saw dust of the same'weight', the sawdust being employed just as it comes from the mill, in which condition it may or may not contain a certain proportion of shavings or small chips. To these two are added a quantity of crude oil equal in weight to the combined weights of the carbon and saw dust, the mass being slightly heated to facilitate absorption of the oil. Finally,in order to promote and hasten the combustion of the fuel, there is added to the mass approximately 20% of its total weight of sodium nit-rate. These ingredients are thoroughly blended by stirring or mixing in some suit able mechanical mixing device.

Thefuel thus prepared can be shipped in bulk or packed in suitable containers such as paper bags or the like and can be distributed in the packages or in heaps between the trees. 7

7 It has also been found that the quantity of crude oil may be slightly reduced and pitch or asphaltum added to form a better binder so that the composition may be pressed into suitable briquettes. To do this, s

it is preferred to employ from 5 to 7{-% of the pitch or asphaltum, properly. heated. These briquettes are preferably perforated to increase combustion.

The composition thus formed has the a property of burning at first with a high intensity, this continuing until the more volatile elements have been consumed, after which it will continue to burn with practically no flame until practically all of the composition has been burnt, there being very little ash left. This gives the fuel a high more than once or twice a year and thus an expensive outlay for stoves or burners of very little use is avoided.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new, is

1.7 As a new composition of matter, a solid fuel for smudging and frost prevention including in combination ground carbon, sawdust, crude oil, and sodiiun nitrate in proportions suitable to produce smoke and heat and ensure complete combustion of all ingredients.

2. As a new-composition of matter, a solid fuel for smudging and frost prevention in-' cluding in combination, that oil gas residue called lamp black in a finely ground condition, sawdust, crude oil and sodium nitrate in proportions suitable. to produce smoke and heat and ensure complete combustion of all ingredients.

3. As a new composition of matter,'a solid amount equal to 20% of the weightof lamp I black, sawdust and crude oil.

4. As a new compositlon of matter, a solid fuel for smudging andfrost prevention comprising in combination equal parts of that oil gasresidue called lamp black in a finely ground condition, and sawdust, crude oil substantially equal in weight to the lamp black and sawdust, sodium nitrate in an amount equal to 20% of the weight oflamp black, sawdust and-crude oil, and substantially 5% of pitch like substance.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

HERBERT COFFMAN. 

